Confused
by all the CLOSING COSTS?
Here’s a Primer
If you are buying a house, like most others who go through this
grueling experience, you are in for a surprise at the closing of
escrow unless you do your homework and read the estimated closing
costs carefully. These are some of the fees and costs that you’ll
have to deal with:
Down Payment
When you are buying a house lenders typically require at least 5-10%
of the purchase price. There are some programs out there that will
allow you to take a mortgage with only 3% down. Also, if you are
really desperate and have no cash 100% financing can be found, but
you credit must be excellent and you will be hit with PMI insurance.
Loan Origination Fee
A lender's fee for establishing a new loan. If you are taking out
an FHA or VA loan the Government regulations limits the origination
fee to 1%. There are many different loan programs out there and
the fees typically range from -1 to 3+ points, plus other costs.
A point is 1% of the loan.
Appraisal Fee
Fee paid to obtain an estimate of market value upon which the lender
will base the loan amount. The cost is about $300-$500. Non-refundable.
Credit Report
An evaluation of the buyer's credit habits made by a credit bureau
for the lender.
The cost is $50-$60. Non-refundable.
Tax Service Fee
A charge of approximately $75 is made by a tax service company to
verify to the lender that the taxes have actually been paid when
due or are due to be paid by borrower or mortgage company if impounding.
Assumption Fee
Fee of approximately $250 up to 1% of the loan balance is charged
by the existing lender for the privilege of assuming the existing
loan.
Pest Inspection Fee
Fees of $275 - $375 is charged by termite companies for inspecting
property for damage done by wood destroying organisms and dry rot.
It is customary for the seller to pay for Section 1 and the buyer
for Section 2 work.
Other Inspection Fees
Other inspections the buyer may choose to have done are: property
inspections that usually cover foundation, electrical, plumbing
and overall construction at a cost of $300-$400. Roof inspections
cost $75-$125. Geological reports cover subject's site in relation
to fault and slide zones, costing about $100.
Septic $200-$400. Radon $50-$100. Asbestos $75-$125.
Alta Title Insurance
This is an extended policy with more specific coverage than the
CLTA standard policy.
It covers unrecorded liens, is based on loan amount only and is
required by almost all lenders. The cost is obtained from a rate
chart and is based on the loan amount.
City Transfer Tax
A municipal tax imposed within the corporate limits of some cities.
The cost is a percentage per $1,000 of selling price, usually negotiable
between buyer and seller, but custom varies between countries.
The VA does not allow the veteran buyer to pay any portion of this
cost.
Miscellaneous Costs & Fees
An estimate of $150 should be adequate to cover minor items as notary,
recording documents, endorsements, etc. as well as allowing for
variations from these other estimates.
Hazard Insurance Reserve
Two month's premium is collected for the impound account if required.
The buyer will need to either provide or pay for coverage for the
1st year.
Prepaid Interest
Interest must be paid from COE (close of escrow) to 30 days prior
to the first regular mortgage payment. An estimate of one month’s
interest should suffice.
Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage Insurance is required on all conventional loans greater
than 80%.
The cost may range from 1/2% to 1% per year and 14 months premium
is
collected in advance. This is coverage for the lender in case of
default.
Tax Impounds
If the new loan is going to have an impound account, the lender
will require from 2-10 months taxes to be deposited, depending on
the time of year. Note: if taxes are prorated, buyer's total charge
for taxes should equal about six month's taxes.
Escrow Fee
These fees range from $750-$2500, depending on the sales price.
In some counties it’s customarily paid by the seller, in other counties
the buyer pays, while in others it may be customarily split. Remember
though, everything is negotiable
Courtesy South County.org